“A dream is not what you see in sleep, but the thing that doesn’t let you sleep.” These words perfectly capture the journey of our Mr. Sandesh Bhingarde founder at Team Vision Foundation.
The Beginning – Idea And Inspiration
It all began with a simple yet powerful act by arranging scribes for visually challenged friends. But what started as a small step soon turned into a relentless passion, a burning desire to create meaningful change. Witnessing the strength, resilience, and unshakable spirit of those he served, our founder found himself driven by a vision far greater than himself: a vision that grew into a movement.
The Outreach Program
Today, that vision stands tall, evolving into a multi-faceted mission, one of which is the outreach program of Team Vision Foundation (TVF). The program addresses the educational needs of visually challenged children and educators by creating accessible tactile maps of the World, India, and Maharashtra. These maps are crafted using innovative techniques like 3D liners for boundaries and Braille inscriptions on OHP sheets, making geography tangible and inclusive.
But the initiative doesn’t stop there. TVF also equips schools with mobile phones preloaded with access to the Team Vision Audio Library, a remarkable platform with over 950 recorded books, 400+ of which are already uploaded. This enables children to listen to books and expand their knowledge independently. This initiative ambitiously aims to connect with and support blind schools across Maharashtra, bringing hope, resources, and opportunities to every corner of the state. This is a story of perseverance, purpose, and passion — a story that reminds us that when you dare to dream and work with dedication, no goal is out of reach.
When we start something new, it’s natural to dream of success and imagine the best possible outcome. But the journey is rarely as smooth as we hope. Challenges have a way of testing our determination, and our founder’s story was no exception. In the early days, it was just a single person with a big dream, navigating unfamiliar territory. The first challenge was gaining trust, convincing people to believe in the vision of empowering visually challenged friends. Resources were limited, connections were few, and every small step forward felt like a battle.
Organizing scribes was a noble idea, but it came with its own set of hurdles. Coordinating with schools, finding committed volunteers, and managing logistics, all while working with minimal support was a steep learning curve. There were days when setbacks felt overwhelming, and the road ahead seemed endlessly tough.
Turning A One-Person Mission Into A Team Effort
Expanding the vision was another challenge. Turning a one-person mission into a team effort meant finding people who shared the same passion and commitment. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about building a team that truly understood the cause and worked tirelessly for it.
Yet, through every obstacle, the fire to make a difference burned brighter. Every struggle became a lesson, every setback a stepping stone, and every small victory a reminder of why this journey began in the first place. The challenges didn’t just test the vision — they strengthened it. This phase of the journey taught one vital lesson: dreams don’t come easy, but the effort is always worth it.
Schools Across Maharashtra
The journey into schools across Maharashtra was nothing short of heartwarming. Each visit felt like stepping into a world brimming with hope and curiosity. The schools welcomed us with open arms, and the warmth of the teachers and students reminded us why this mission mattered so much.
The excitement in the air was palpable as we introduced the students to our tactile maps—showing them the boundaries of the world, India, and Maharashtra through touch. Their fingers traced the lines, discovering the geography that had once been abstract to them. The joy of exploration lit up their faces, and their questions reflected their eagerness to learn.
In image – Yash our outreach associate helping students in exploring India’s map
Our demonstrations of the Team Vision Audio Library Application were equally rewarding. As we explained how the app could bring books to life through audio, the students’ eyes widened with anticipation. They were thrilled at the idea of having a library at their fingertips, giving them access to a universe of knowledge they had only dreamed of.
In image – Yash our outreach associate explaining about our application (Team Vision Audio Library)
The conversations with teachers were equally enriching. They took us on tours of their school premises, sharing their experiences, challenges, and dreams for their students. These interactions helped us gather crucial data to understand the unique needs of each school, ensuring our efforts would have a lasting and meaningful impact. Every school we visited became a source of inspiration, reminding us of the boundless potential within each child. Their excitement fuelled our determination to reach more schools, touch more lives, and break down barriers to accessibility. “Education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world,” and with every step, we moved closer to turning this belief into reality.
Challenges And Triumphs
Every Journey is blend of challenges and triumphs, and ours has been no different. Along the way, we have encountered obstacles that tested our resolve, yet each hurdle taught us something valuable. The most profound lesson? If you truly believe in your vision, no challenge is insurmountable. The joy on the faces of the students, the gratitude of the teachers, and the unwavering support from the schools have reaffirmed our commitment to this mission.
Knowing that our efforts are making education accessible and empowering visually challenged children to dream big makes every challenge worthwhile.
And this is just the beginning. We are committed to continuing this mission until we reach every blind school across Maharashtra. With every map we craft, every audio book we upload, and every child we inspire, we move closer to our goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable world. When passion meets purpose, the journey, no matter how challenging, becomes an unforgettable adventure. We look forward to the road ahead, filled with new lessons, stories, and milestones waiting to be achieved.
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